Top of the Morning: Breastfeeding Combats the Effects of Pollution

Nursing a baby may lessen the negative impact of some environmental pollutants common in areas with high-traffic or volume of vehicles, a new study from the University of Basque Country in Spain has found. Researchers looked at the effects of exposure to pollution in the first year of life. Breastfed babies exhibited none of the harmful effects of pollution for at least four months, suggesting breastfeeding’s protective effect. It also found a link between exposure to pollution and babies’ motor development. (nydailynews.com)

2. Chamomile tea can help women live longerNew research has found that drinking chamomile tea can decrease the risk of death among women. Women were also shown to be more frequent drinkers of chamomile tea than men. Chamomile is one of the oldest, most-widely used medicinal plant in the world and has various healing applications. The study, though, was unclear how exactly chamomile use affects the decrease in mortality among women. (dailytimes.com)

3. 65-year-old woman gives birthHaya Shahar of Jerusalem gave birth via c-section to a healthy 5.9-pound baby boy this week. Haya is a new mom at age 65, which makes her the oldest woman to give birth in Israel. She got pregnant, thanks to an IVF procedure, using a donor egg and possibly also donated sperm. It was most likely performed outside the country as Israel forbids the procedure for women older than 54 years old. Haya and her husband had been trying to get pregnant throughout their 46-year marriage. (yahoo.com)

4. U.S. Ambassador unveils climate-resilient school in TaclobanStudents in San Fernando Central School in Yolanda-hit Tacloban City, Leyte now have climate-resilient classrooms. U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg led the inauguration of the school building, which includes eight fully-furnished classrooms designed to withstand strong typhoons and earthquakes. The project is part of the U.S. government’s effort to help rebuild and furnish 250 classrooms and restore access to education for some 30,000 students affected by Typhoon Yolanda. (gmanetwork.com)

5. Recall: OXO Nest Booster SeatAfter the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received five reports about the stitching on the restraint straps, 25,000 of the OXO Nest Booster Seats, available in green, taupe, and orange, with a white base, were recalled. The straps “can loosen, which allows the straps to separate from the seat, posing a full hazard to children,” when pulled or tightened. Those who have the product should immediately stop using it and call OXO for a free repair kit with redesigned straps and installation instructions. (popsugar.com)